Wasps Nest In Shed

Wasps Nesting In Garden Sheds

Wasps are common visitors to sheds in Bristol, especially later in the year when Queen wasps are preparing to hibernate. Overwintering Queen wasps find garden sheds irresistible hibernation sites, perfect for a new nest in the spring.

Why are wasps nesting in sheds?

The common wasp (Vespula vulgaris – pictured) and the german wasp (Vespula germanica) are the most common species of wasps you’re likely to encounter in a garden shed, and unfortunately, they also build the largest nests!

Wasps like sheds because they are so easy to enter, rarely disturbed and warm quickly in sunlight – perfect for a developing brood of wasps.

How dangerous are wasps nests in sheds?

A wasps nest in your shed will start off discreetly because only the queen is building the nest.

After about a month she will see her first brood of eight to sixteen daughter wasps hatch and begin helping her build the nest.

For wasps nests smaller than an apple, a can of wasp killer spray will quickly dispatch the colony, but three months in and a wasp nest in July could contain over 3000 wasps!

The real danger presents itself when the nest is built close to a door, like the wasp nest pictured.

As the nest structure grows, the wasps will eventually construct and attach the nest to the shed door, so when you open it, you could split the nest and they will swarm you!

Although most nests are attached to the ceiling of the shed, the wasp’s habit of building nests inside stored items can be another reason your garden shed can be such a challenge.

People often store old chests of drawers or boxes – perfect for wasps to nest in – offering yet another layer of protective insulation and concealment!

Nests within boxes etc make control even more dangerous and hazardous because they see you before you see them and this is a situation you are unlikely to conquer safely without professional help.

How long are the wasps active?

Most wasp nests in sheds begin in April or slightly later depending on the temperature. Because these are outdoors, nests have usually matured and become inactive by the beginning of November.

Wasps nesting in a house have a much easier start to life because they are warmer so usually start building nests slightly earlier and these nests grow to be the very largest we see and remain active until late December.

By contrast, the nests found in garden sheds rarely exceed the size of a large football but can be tough to locate without getting stung. This is why we always wear professional protective clothing.